Tag Archives: cookies

Deciding to get a pet of any kind is a big decision, not only for the responsibility associated with them, but for the expenses you will incur. A couple of weeks ago we adopted Zuri, a 6 month-old kitten. She’s precious and is the perfect fit for our family. Although we adopted her from the Humane Shelter, we had to pick her up at PetSmart.

Now, adopting a pet means shopping for pet supplies. Under the challenge rules, I can buy her food and litter, as those fall under the toiletries and groceries categories that are allowed. I was going to need at bare minimum, a food bowl, a water bowl and a litter box with a scoop. I was prepared to get creative. I have bowls and lots of them. I’m quite sure I could modify some plastic container in my garage for a litter box. The scoop I had to ponder a little longer. Old kitchen utensils? Something in my garage? After an intense thought process, I decided I would be able to make one from old coat hangers. Yep, we were ready for a cat in every way possible.

When we went to pick up Zuri, we also picked up my friend E. because she adopted Zuri’s sister a week earlier. As I was walking though the pet store, I had to stop and look at the senselessness of what I saw. Gourmet canine cookies. My kids don’t eat stuff this fancy or expensive. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to treats for pets, but this seems a bit excessive to me. Does Fido really care if he gets the pretty little treats shaped like dog bones, dipped in colorful icing?

How about pet fashion? Yes, Martha Stewart has come to the rescue, not only to help your pet in the fashion world, but to stylistically incorporate pets into your home. Again, I have no problem with pet supplies, what I’m saying is this seems excessive. Yes, a pet bed is good if they’re not sleeping in your bed. Yes, they need bowls to eat from. Yes, they need a toy or two. But do they really need all this stuff? Let’s say I bought one of everything for my new kitten. I’ll choose middle of the line items.

My list includes such things as a UV light cat pee finder, and cat sitter DVD, a mid-sized cat scratch tower, cat repellents to tell them where they don’t belong, a bed and much more. The total? $1,074. And once you’ve spoiled your pet and there’s nothing new left to buy, there’s now kitty anti-depressants. Continue reading →

December 11, 2009… I was listening to talk radio on my way to work yesterday. It was so incredibly cold I didn’t want to let go of my warm coffee mug to steer the car, much less turn on the radio. The news guy was reporting on the experiences of the fake mall Santas this year, disclosing the newest Christmas lists they’re receiving. Many of the kids sitting on Santa’s lap are not asking for the typical toys and electronics, they’re asking for basic necessities. “Mommy really needs a job” or “Could we just have our house back?” Some others are asking for food and clothing. You know the economy is bad when kids are happy to get socks and underwear for Christmas.

Santa Claus. The historical Saint and the modern day icon of commercialized Christmas. Who is Santa? Santa has many roots in history spanning the globe, roots also ranging from Christianity to paganism. The early Christian Santa was Saint Nicholas. He was a Saint that gave generous gifts to the poor, especially to daughters of poor parents so they did not have to become prostitutes. I could go on for days here about the history of Santa, but he did have his start as a good guy that helped people.

Honestly, I’ve always struggled with the whole Santa thing. I did not want my kids believing that some overweight guy in a furry red suit is going to give them anything they want for Christmas. Their dad said that was wrong and I was awful for even thinking it. Choose your battles, right? I chose not to fight this one.

My earliest recollection of Santa is asking my parents if Santa was real. I was in kindergarten, five or six years old, and already wondering how one guy could go around the planet in one night, bringing lots of stuff to kids. And don’t get me started on the flying reindeer and sleigh. I suppose my over-analyzing of everything started at an early age. My parents told me the truth and quickly proceeded to tell me that my knowledge was a secret. I wasn’t very good at keeping secrets back then. Even with my secret knowledge, Santa continued to bring me lots of toys and stuff, and much more than he brought anyone else. Continue reading →